Dangerous new Internet activity reported in Key West

The Sheriff’s Office is sharing a press release/information issued by the Key West Fire Department on Friday regarding a potentially dangerous new Internet trend called the “Outlet Challenge.”

Already two students at Key West High School student have been caught attempting the challenge.

A viral video — most often shared on the social media app TikTok, according to published media reports — encourages people to plug in a cell phone charger and then use a penny to create an electric arc.

“The problem is that it’s dangerous on several levels,” Fire Marshal Danny Blanco said in a Key West Fire Department press release. “There is a good chance of getting electrocuted while you’re doing it. And it can start a delayed electrical fire that might not be detected until suddenly you have fire in the walls.”

An electrical fire can smolder for an extended period of time, undetected, until a full-fledged fire breaks out.

Not only can it cause injury, but people taking part in the challenge could face criminal charges should a fire occur.

Communities in other counties and states are already dealing with fires and injuries due to teens attempting the challenge.

Please help us in sharing this information with parents, educators and the public at large.